Sweet wines, often underestimated by many Americans who associate them with overly sugary and inferior concoctions, hold a special place in the world of oenophiles. Contrary to popular belief, some of the most exceptional wines in the world are sweet, a fact recognized by those with a discerning palate.
In the United States, the aversion to sweet wines has historically kept their prices relatively low. However, the landscape is changing as Americans increasingly appreciate the value and quality that sweet wines bring to the table. Notably, the prices of Sauternes, a renowned French sweet wine, have been steadily climbing, with the exception of the perpetually costly Château d’Yquem. Nevertheless, there are still opportunities to unearth remarkable values within this category.
Similarly, vintage ports, known for their need to age gracefully for 12-15 years before consumption, used to be considered affordable. However, securing a vintage port from a noteworthy year for less than $75 has become quite a challenge. Those in search of accessible options can explore tawny ports and late-bottled vintage ports, but aged tawnies beyond 20 years tend to come with a hefty price tag.
When it comes to the exquisite sweet German wines, such as Beerenausleses and Trockenbeerenausleses, they are both elusive and prohibitively expensive, leaving only a fortunate few with the opportunity to indulge.
It’s worth noting that sweet wines are best enjoyed on their own, as they may not always complement dessert, especially chocolate, which can overwhelm their delicate flavors. Even establishments renowned for their culinary expertise, like The French Laundry, can occasionally misstep in pairing sweet wines with chocolate desserts, as one unfortunate experience attests.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions to the rule. Sweet wines, such as Sauternes or their equivalents, have been found to pair harmoniously with foie gras and toasted baguette, particularly as an appetizer. The juxtaposition of the foie gras’s saltiness with the wine’s sweetness creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
Additionally, a Sauternes can serve as the perfect companion to a ripe mango or peach. Beyond these exceptions, sweet wines are best enjoyed on their own, ideally as a post-dinner indulgence shared with friends.
Sweet sherries also deserve a mention, with the sweeter varieties often standing out. While dry sherries like fino serve as excellent aperitifs, a sweet sherry can be a delightful choice for those who appreciate the depth of flavor in a dessert wine.
Allow me to introduce a sweet wine that has graced my palate for years—an option that offers world-class quality, extended longevity, affordability at $25 per bottle, and widespread availability. Lustau, a trusted name in the world of sherries, produces a Pedro Ximenez variety known as “San Emilio,” which ranks among the sweetest offerings. Although Lustau also produces an even sweeter “Tintillo de Rota,” it doesn’t quite match the exceptional taste of the former.
In the evolving landscape of sweet wines, there are hidden treasures awaiting discovery. As American wine enthusiasts continue to explore and embrace the pleasures of sweet wines, the notion that they are a remarkable value in the world of wine may soon become a widely recognized truth.
